The Messenger Arrives

"It is almost twilight", Trebor said as he and Salvania finished their evening meal. "We should leave soon." Salvania nodded in agreement and took one last sip from her wineglass. They arose from the long table and headed for the balcony. Salvania looked to her husband and whispered, "I can not help but wonder if this is a trick. What if the dreams were made from sorcery and were intended to keep us off guard to an evil that approaches?" Trebor wrapped a loving arm around his queen. "No such thing has happened or will happen." They reached the balcony just as the sun touched the earth's horizon. "I pray not." said Salvania.

They stood there watching the sun paint bright colors of red, orange, purple, and pink across the sky. Never had a sunset been so beautiful. It was truly breath-taking. The two beings were so struck with the vibrant colors and the watery clouds that they failed to notice a shadow moving across the earth. It was Trebor who saw him first. "Look my love! A shadow moves toward us in the light. It must be the messenger." Indeed it was. He was a tall fellow, stern gazed, golden hair that resembled the sun that shown down onto it. His hands were rough with years of war and hardship, his grip was authoritative. His steed was whiter than snow and its mane long and like silk. The stallion's legs were strong, a war horse, a beast who had been in the heat of battle. His rider was no different. They rode as one toward the castle gate and when only a few yards off, the rider took out a horn and blew it. The sound resonated throughout the kingdom. It was a sound that jerked the attention of all, of young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong to the one who sounded this horn. The king motioned to the guardhouse and the gates began to open. The horseman slowed not, but rode on with purpose and urgency. He entered the gate and continued to the courtyard of the palace. The rulers of Azarathia had already begun their decent.